Brides & Beyond: Show Helps Plan Perfect Wedding

March 2004

All the elements of a perfect wedding were brought to one venue at the Asian Bridal Show 2004 held in downtown Atlanta on January 25. For the Atlanta brides-to-be (the grooms too) and their families, the show provided endless choices to help make their dream ?big day' come true. Close to 2000 people thronged the packed Renaissance Hotel, as 40 vendors from around the country displayed their ware and services. The much-touted ?wedding event of the year' was brought to Atlanta by DJ Bally.com and Weddings INSTYLE.

The hotel in the heart of Atlanta was transformed into a bustling emporium, with everything, from elegant mandaps to fashion, jewelry, hair and beauty, from music, photography and video to invitations, catering services and wedding planners.

There was also a live fashion show by Mumtaz Fashions. Around 180 outfits were displayed by 26 models in three shows during the day.

For organizers Ragini Patel of Weddings INSTYLE and Balvinder Bhandari of Exclusive Entertainment Productions, this was the first attempt at putting together a bridal show.

Both were immensely surprised at the runaway success of the show. "We went into it reluctantly," said Bhandari. "But once we got some big names (vendors) in, the efforts paid off." Patel credited the participating vendors and sponsors for the huge success of the show. "And of course, if not for the brides, the show would not have been successful," she added.

Bhandari said the show was an eye-opener for everybody involved, including the vendors, to the huge market in Atlanta. "We also had other bridal show organizers from outside, who realized the market potential in Atlanta," he said. The duo now plans to make the show an annual event. Also on the anvil is a proposal to form an association of South Asian wedding professionals.

The show also saw the launch of the Asian Bride magazine. A comprehensive wedding planner, the magazine was distributed free to all brides at the venue. Patel and Bhandari plan to bring out two magazines a year, one of them in conjunction with the show.

Copies of the magazine are available on request from Balvinder Bhandari at 770-803-9661 or Ragini Patel at 770-476-5611.